Hand Pain and Problems
What are some common hand problems?
There are many common hand problems that can interfere with activities of daily living,
including:
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is joint inflammation and commonly occurs at the base of the
thumb. The pain associated with arthritis may be from many different sources, including
inflammation of the following:
- the synovial membrane (the tissue that lines the joints)
- tendons
- ligaments
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis in
older people. It is a slow-progressing disease that primarily affects the hands and the
large weight-bearing joints of the body, such as the knees and hips.
Herberden nodes, abnormal enlargements of the bone or cartilage -- about the size of a
pea or smaller -- may occur in the finger joints, and may be aggravated by osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis in the hands or hips may run in families, or be caused by injuries,
overuse, muscle strain, or fatigue.
What is carpal tunnel
syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve is compressed as it passes
through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, a narrow confined space. Since the median nerve
provides sensory and motor functions to the thumb and three middle fingers, many symptoms
may result.
The following are the most common symptoms for carpal tunnel syndrome, however, each
individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- difficulty making a fist
- difficulty gripping objects with the hand(s)
- pain and/or numbness in the hand(s)
- "pins and needles" feeling in the fingers
- swollen feeling in the fingers
- burning or tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle
fingers
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may resemble other conditions such as
tendonitis, bursitis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome may include any, or a combination of, the
following, based on the decision of your physician and your medical condition:
- immobilization of the wrist using a splint (to minimize pressure on the nerves)
- anti-inflammatory medication
- cortisone injections (to reduce swelling of the wrist)
- surgery
- changing position of a computer keyboard, or other ergonomic changes
What are ganglion cysts?
Soft, fluid-filled cysts can develop on the front or back of the hand for no apparent
reason. These are called ganglion cysts -- the most common, benign (non-cancerous), soft
tissue tumor of the hand and wrist.
The following are the most common symptoms for ganglion cysts, however, each individual
may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- wrist pain that is aggravated with repeated use or irritation
- a low growing, localized swelling, with mild aching and weakness in the wrist
- an apparent cyst that is smooth, firm, rounded, and/or tender
The symptoms of ganglion cysts may resemble other conditions. Consult your physician
for a diagnosis.
Initially, when the cyst is small and painless, treatment is usually not necessary.
Only when the  cyst begins to grow -- interfering with the functionality of the
hand -- is treatment usually instituted. This may include:
- rest
- splinting
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
- aspiration
- cortisone injections
- surgery
What are
tendon problems?
Two major problems with tendons are tendonitis and tenosynovitis. Tendonitis, inflammation
of a tendon -- the tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones -- can affect any
tendon, but is most commonly seen in the wrist and fingers. When the tendons become
irritated, swelling, pain, and discomfort will occur.
Tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the lining of the tendon sheaths which enclose the
tendons. The tendon sheath is usually the site which becomes inflamed, but both the sheath
and the tendon can become inflamed simultaneously. The cause of tenosynovitis is often
unknown, but usually strain, overuse, injury, or excessive exercise may be implicated.
Tendonitis may also be related to disease (i.e., diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis).
Common tendon disorders include the following:
lateral epicondylitis (commonly known as backhand tennis elbow) - a
condition caused by continual stress on the muscles and extensor tendons of the forearm,
which originate at the elbow.
medial epicondylitis (commonly known as golfer's elbow, forehand tennis elbow,
or baseball elbow) - a condition in which forceful wrist flexion can damage the
tendons attached to the elbow.
rotator cuff tendonitis - a shoulder disorder characterized by the
inflammation of the shoulder capsule and related tendons.
DeQuervain's tenosynovitis - the most common type of tenosynovitis
disorder -- with tendon sheath swelling of the tendons in the thumb.
trigger finger / trigger thumb - a tenosynovitis condition in which
the tendon sheath becomes inflamed and thickened, thus preventing the smooth extension or
flexion of the finger/thumb. The finger/thumb may lock or "trigger" suddenly.
Treatment for most tendon problems may include any, or a combination of, the following,
based on the decision of your physician and your medical condition:
- activity modification
- splinting or immobilization
- steroid injections
- anti-inflammatory medication
- surgery
Click here to view the
Online Resources page of this web. |
